29 Mar 4 Ways to Protect Your Roof from Damage
Home repairs can be costly, sometimes accounting for up to four percent of your home value. However, routine maintenance can help you detect and prevent home issues quickly before the repairs become much larger. Your roof is an integral part of a home; after all, you cannot live in a house with a bad roof—the inconvenience can be uncomfortable or even unlivable.
To prevent massive spending on roof repairs, we have compiled a list of four ways you can ensure that your roof is protected from damage.
1.Cut off Overbearing Tree Branches
Trees beautify the home, but they can quickly become a primary source of damage to your roof. Let’s examine the possible negative impacts of trees on your home.
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- Tree branches can quickly damage your shingles. Falling dead tree branches are one of the primary sources of damage to your roof.
- Tree branches resting on your roof add pressure to the material. Over time, as your material weakens, the branches will be able to puncture the roof. For new roofs, branch puncturing may be unlikely; however, on a windy day, it is possible.
- Branches on your roof make it easier for animals like squirrels, gophers, snakes, and rats to get into your home. Some of these animals can potentially gnaw into your roof and cause extensive damage.
- Lastly, tree branches can clog your gutter, blocking water flow. This can lead to water absorption into the foundation of your property.
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The solution to an unruly tree branch is to ensure that it does not grow beyond a 10-foot distance from your roof. Trim your branches frequently.
2. Ventilate Your Attic
Proper attic insulation is necessary to ensure that your roof remains in good condition for years to come. If your attic isn’t well ventilated, it can lead to overheating, moisture, and eventual permanent damage.
The way ventilation works is the air exhaust and intake have to be balanced. Air exhaust occurs when hot pressurized air builds up in high points on the roof. The hot air cannot escape until cool low-pressure air is allowed into the attic (this process is called the intake).
Ensure that your attic is well ventilated either by creating natural intake (natural spaces where sufficient low pressure air can get into the attic) or by physically inputting the possibility of balance to allow the high pressure air to exit.
We always encourage you to reach out to your local handyman or roofer to assist you in correctly handling this project.
3. Keep your Gutters Clean
When your gutters are clogged (from tree debris, etc.), the stagnant water has the potential to diminish the foundation of your home. From the foundation, parts of your house, including your walls and roof, can absorb the water and rot.
Water damage to a home does not happen overnight. However, when you notice rot, the damage may already be too serious and out of control, which could cost you thousands of dollars in repair.
Prevent water damage to your roof and walls by declogging your gutters frequently. If left unchecked, water damage could threaten the security of your home and lead to an eventual collapse.
4. Conduct Regular Roof Inspection
Over the years, we’ve met clients who either refused to do or didn’t realize they needed to do relatively cheap inspections and ended up paying for expensive roof repairs. Don’t let this be you.
Your roof is the most exposed part of your home. It’s exposed to all the elements like water, wind, heat, storms, and debris. Without thorough bi-yearly inspections, minor damages like removed shingles can become larger costly expenses.
Call Your Handyman Professionals to Get it Done Right
Let us help you maximize your property’s long-term health or resale value by tackling your preventative roof maintenance and repairs today. We have the professional tools, products and know-how to get your property ready for any season!
For assistance with preventative maintenance and handyman services, request a project consultation or simply give us a call (512-360-0408) today! We look forward to serving you!
For assistance with your specific roofing needs, please reach out to our trusted partners, Streamline Roofing!
By: Kayla Gonzales, GARSC Marketing Manager